'Tricked' into opening a nightclub says Sakshi Maharaj as UP BJP is left red-faced

Days after facing the flak for not acting against rape- accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar, the Uttar Pradesh BJP is once again under fire. This time, BJP's MP from Unnao, Sakshi Maharaj is being criticised for inaugurating what is reportedly claimed to be a "nightclub". Embarrassed, the MP has now lodged a complaint against Mahendra Nath Pandey, the BJP state president, who he claims urged him to inaugurate the club.

Sakshi Maharaj (file photo)&nbsp | &nbspPhoto Credit:&nbspBCCL

New Delhi: Days after facing the flak for not acting against rape- accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar, the Uttar Pradesh BJP is once again under fire. This time, BJP's MP from Unnao, Sakshi Maharaj is being criticised for inaugurating what is reportedly claimed to be a "nightclub". Embarrassed, the MP has now lodged a complaint along with Mahendra Nath Pandey, the BJP state president against a party functionary who apparently urged him to inaugurate the club. Reports suggested that Sakshi Maharaj had reached Lucknow on Sunday evening to inaugurate the said nightclub.

“I was told by former UP state president Rajjan Singh that it was a restaurant owned by his son-in-law. I agreed. I have sought the license of the club. I am not just an MP but also a ‘Sadhu’ who is supposed to stay away from all such things," Sakshi Maharaj was quoted as saying by the Times of India. this is the second time BJP has been caught in a similar, awkward situation. Earlier, the party was left red-faced when Swati Singh, a state cabinet minister had inaugurated a beer bar in Lucknow in 2017.

The state government has been under fire for not taking appropriate action against rape-accused MLA Kuldeep Sengar who is in CBI custody. On April 4, the victim had attempted to immolate herself in front of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's residence. Sengar had denied charges and, in fact, made a visit to the SSP office in an apparent show-of-strength. Last week, the Allahabad High Court had also questioned the state government as to why Sengar had not been “arrested”.

Check the latest facts on Covid-19 here. Times Fact ‘India Outbreak Report’ by TIMES NETWORK and Protiviti is a comprehensive analysis that highlights the impact of the pandemic in India and projects the possible number of active cases in the weeks ahead.